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Sweet 16: Celebrating More Than a Decade of Coastal Wetland Monitoring
Kelly Faller, PDE’s Lead Estuary Science Coordinator (left), and Martha Maxwell-Doyle, PDE’s Programs Director, assess vegetation in Crosswicks Creek, New Jersey. PDE’s Mid-Atlantic Coastal Wetland Assessment (MACWA) program, which started in 2008, is a testament to the organization’s long-standing commitment to preserving and understanding the health of coastal wetlands in the Delaware Estuary Watershed.
By LeeAnn Haaf, PDE’s Assistant Director of Estuary Science
For 16 years, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) has been at the forefront of coastal wetland monitoring, dedicated to researching the condition and trends of these vital ecosystems. PDE’s wetlands program, the Mid Atlantic Coastal Wetland Assessment (MACWA), is a testament to the organization’s long-standing commitment to preserving and understanding the health of coastal wetlands in the Delaware Estuary Watershed.
Coastal wetlands are incredibly important for several reasons. They act as natural buffers and protect inland areas from storm surges and flooding. These wetlands also serve as nurseries for numerous fish and shellfish species, support a diverse array of wildlife, and play a crucial role in filtering pollutants from water before they reach larger bodies like the Delaware River or Delaware Bay. Additionally, tidal wetlands are significant carbon sinks, meaning they collect and store carbon, which helps to mitigate the effects of climate change.
More Than A Decade of Dedication
MACWA, established in 2008 with several partners, has been instrumental in monitoring and assessing the health of coastal wetlands in the Delaware Estuary. The initiative began with a clear vision: to understand the changes in coastal wetland health as sea levels rise and climate changes to ensure their protection for generations. PDE launched the program in response to growing concerns from researchers and land managers about the degradation of these crucial habitats. Scientific curiosity and environmental urgency then influenced MACWA’s design. Studies indicated substantial coastal wetland loss (42 acres per year from 19962016, which is the equivalent of 32 football fields per year — more than all the professional football fields in the United States combined), prompting PDE and partners to establish a dedicated program to monitor changes systematically. The goal was not only to document the current state of coastal wetlands but also to understand the underlying causes of observed trends and to inform conservation strategies.
Comprehensive Research and Monitoring
When we’re out in the field for MACWA work, we dive deep into multiple facets of coastal wetland conditions, such as elevation, plants, water levels, and wildlife. Our work is varied and comprehensive, designed to give us a holistic understanding of these vital ecosystems.
One of my favorite tasks is Surface Elevation Table monitoring. The results we get from this monitoring represent a lot of interconnected processes that determine whether or not the wetland is keeping pace with sea level rise. Here, I carefully measure the elevation change of the tidal marsh surface down to the millimeter. Working at the millimeter scale is meticulous work, but incredibly rewarding to see the subtle shifts and trends over time.
Vegetation surveys are another critical part of our program. Walking through the wetland or recovering old plots, we track the robustness and diversity of plant species. Each survey adds more data than the last toward our understanding of the ecosystem’s current state and its changes. Plant life tells us so much about the overall health of the wetland, like how often it floods or what species of wildlife might breed in that area. We often collect water level information at our sites to determine flood patterns and find averages of high and low tidal water levels. This data is crucial for studying relationships between flooding and wetland health, as well as designing restoration projects that aim to increase plant health by reducing excessive flooding.
Wildlife surveys, especially passive acoustic monitoring where we place microphones in the wetland, are perhaps the most engaging. We listen to the calls and movements of animals that depend on the coastal wetlands to understand their presence and the wetland’s health. Each recording is like tuning into the heartbeat of the wetland, revealing which species are thriving and which ones might be struggling.
These diverse methods, from precise measurements to broad surveys, all contribute to our comprehensive approach in studying and preserving coastal wetlands. Each field trip deepens my appreciation for these ecosystems and the intricate web of life they support.
The Stakes for Wetlands in the Delaware Estuary
Coastal wetlands in the Delaware Estuary are on the frontline of climate change impacts, facing threats from rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and human development. The loss of coastal wetlands would mean diminished natural protection against floods, reduced biodiversity, and compromised water quality.
PDE’s ongoing commitment to wetland monitoring and research is essential in safeguarding these habitats. By continuing to track trends, identify emerging threats, and develop adaptive management strategies, PDE aims to ensure that the coastal wetlands of the Delaware Estuary remain resilient and continue to provide their invaluable services to both the environment and the communities that depend on them.
As MACWA celebrates 16 years of monitoring and research, it stands as a beacon of hope and action in the fight to preserve one of our most crucial natural resources. The program’s work is not just about understanding the present. It’s about shaping a sustainable future for the Delaware Estuary’s tidal wetlands.
HEALTHY HABITATS: H1.1/H1.2/H1.4
For more information on data we’ve collected through MACWA, see: bit.ly/Springer-Article bit.ly/4dlidAG
Email lhaaf@delawareestuary.org if you need access to these peer-reviewed papers.
